Virtual Wards

Brighton & Hove Federation (B&HF) has been awarded a contract by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT) as the lead provider for the GP component of the Sussex General Virtual Ward, working in partnership with other Sussex Federations. This service aligns with NHS England’s Virtual Ward model, delivering hospital-level care in patients’ homes to reduce unnecessary admissions and support earlier discharge.

Service Overview

• 7 days a week – care available every day by the UCR team.
• Hospital-level care at home – provided by a team of ANPs, nurses, and other health professionals, with clinical leadership from a GP.
• Who it’s for – patients registered with a Sussex GP who need extra care for a short time (usually less than 2 weeks) but don’t need to be in hospital.
• How to be referred – your GP and other healthcare professionals can refer through the OneCall GP.

How the Virtual Ward Works

Virtual Wards provide the skills, equipment, medications, and clinical oversight usually available in hospital, but delivered in patients’ usual place of residence. Staff are responsible for the full clinical management of patients, using continuous monitoring and coordinated care to ensure safe, effective treatment at home.

Benefits:

• Patient-Centered Care: Recovery in the comfort of home
• Reduced Hospital Admissions: Alleviates pressure on hospital beds
• Early Detection: Continuous monitoring allows timely intervention for deteriorating patients
• Integrated Multidisciplinary Care: Comprehensive support from GPs, nurses, and allied professionals

Brighton & Hove went live on 24 February 2025, with other Sussex localities mobilising shortly afterwards. This programme represents a key step in delivering safe, effective, and patient-focused care in the community.

For further information on NHS Virtual Wards: NHS England » What is a virtual ward?